Remote signaling system



Feb. 25, 1969 A. I-:. GRATRIX, sR.. ET AL ,4

REMOTE SIGNALING SYSTEM Filed Sept 22, 1964 Sheet 2 of 4 F Lg' 2 MASTERcLocI V WE T E155 /,I5

(Z) NORMAL PAUSE SUPPLY I 5 CPSI 45 46 gun I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I A'rrv.

Feb. 25, 1969 A. E. GRATRIX, SR.. ET 3,430,222

REMOTE SIGNALING SYSTEM Sheet 4 of Filed Sept. 22, 1964 (I'Illlll'll'lllluvan'roas ALFRoE.GnA'rmx 5R. DAVID E. EARLS United States Patent3,430,222 REMOTE SIGNALING SYSTEM Alfred E. Gratrix, Sr., Trumbull, andDavid E. Earls,

Norwalk, Conn., assignors to General Time Corporation, New York, N.Y., acorporation of Delaware Filed Sept. 22, 1964, Ser. No. 398,355 US. Cl.340-286 15 Claims Int. Cl. G081: 1/08 The present invention relates to aremote signaling system and, more specifically, to a system forrendering a remote annunciator operative at a preselected time during aselected interval, for example, a twenty-four hour period.

A primary object of this invention is to provide a new and improvedsignaling system for signaling a plurality of remote locations atpreselected times. Another object is to provide a signaling system withan annunciator whose initial operation is controlled by a simple,accurate timer and whose continued operation and re-setting forsubsequent operation are controlled independently of the timer. Arelated object is to provide such a system wherein a plurality ofannunciators are rendered operative at respective preselected times.

Another primary object is to provide a new and improved remote signalingsystem. A more specific related object is to provide such a system inwhich a remotely located annunciator may be rendered operative at adesired time by a signal transmitted from a control station and in whichthe continued operation and preparation for subsequent operation of theannunciator may be controlled at the remote location independently ofthe control station.

A further primary object is to provide simple and accurate drivemechanism for a timer switch. A related object is to provide an improvedstep drive for a timer switch suitable for controlling the initialenergization of an annunclator.

Still another primary object is to provide a timer controlled signalingsystem in which the timer may be rapidly and accurately brought intocorrespondence with a desired time reference such as actual time. Arelated object is to provide such a system wherein an operator hascontrol over the operative state of the annunciator when the timer isadvanced at an accelerated rate. Another related object is to providesuch a system wherein the annunciator is maintained in an inoperativestate when the timer is maintained in a pause condition.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a remotesignaling system wherein the initiation of energization of anannunciator is controlled by a timer switch but wherein the duration ofthe operative period of the annunciator is independent of the intervalduring which the timer switch is closed.

Yet another primary object is to provide a new and improved annunciator.A more specific object is to provide an annunciator suitable for usewhere it is desired to have the initial energization of the annunciatorcontrolled by a timer and the continued operation and re-setting of theannunciator controlled independently of the timer. A related object isto provide such an annunciator where the annunciator provides both anaural and visual indication when it is energized. Another related objectis to provide such an annunciator with a memory of its operative statein the event of a power failure. Still another object is to provide suchan annunciator where the aural indication is a ringing sound and thevisual indication is a flashing light.

A general object is to provide a new and improved remote signalingsystem which provides a desired indication at a remote location at apreselected time during a given time interval whereby an operator isdirected to perform 3,430,222 Patented Feb. 25, 1969 "ice a desiredoperation. Another general objectis to provide such a system which maybe readily adapted for use in connection with an automatic hotel wake-upsystem or the:

Still another general object of the present invention is,

to provide a new and improved remote signaling system characterized inits compactness, simplicity, economy, long life and reliability. Anadditional object is to provide a new and improved annunciator alsocharacterized in its compactness, simplicity, economy, long life andreliability.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent uponreading the attached detailed description and upon reference to thedrawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a block diagram of a remote signaling system embodying thepresent invention;

FIGS. 2a and 2b, when combined, form a schematic diagram of the circuitshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a selector switch arrangement which maybe used in the circuit shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b; and v FIGS. 4a, 4b and4c are respectively a top elevation view, a cross-sectional sideelevation view and a fragmentary, cross-sectional front elevation viewof an annunciator which may be used in the circuit shown in' FIGS. 2::and 2b.

The invention will be described in connection with producing anindication at a remote location whereby an operator is directed toperform a desiredoperation on remotely located equipment. It will bereadily appreciated, however, that the invention may be utilized inconnection with any application requiring the producing of an indicationat a remote location. For example, the invention may be utilized inconnection with a hotel wake-up system wherein indications are to beproduced at different remote locations, i.e., in different rooms, atdifferent times.

In accordance with the present invention, a desired number ofannunciators are located at remote locations and means are provided at amain control location for causing the annunciators to be renderedoperative at independently preselected times during a given timeinterval. More specifically, in the exemplary arrangement, the means atthe main control location are preset to cause the annunciators to berendered operative at desired times during a day.

Referring to FIG. 1, a pair of annunciators AN1 and AN2 are shown asbeing associated with different pieces of remote equipment RBI and RE2which may be located at different remote stations or locations. However,it will be readily appreciated that any desired number of annunciatorsand associated pieces of remote equipment may be controlled by thedisclosed system and the invention is intended to cover the control ofany desired plurality of such units. Additionally, a main controlstation 10 is shown which includes means for controlling the operationof the annunciators through control switches CS1 and CS2. As may beseen, the annunciators AN1 and AN2 are respectively connected to anenergizing power supply 11 through the control switches CS1 and CS2.Additionally, indicators IN1 and 1N2 in the main control station 10 arerespectively connected in parallel with the annunciators AN1 and AN2 forproducing indications at the main control station when the associatedannunciators are rendered operative.

In order for the annunciators to be rendered operative at preselectedtimes during a given time interval, presettable means must be providedin the main control station for controlling the closing of the controlswitches CS1 and CS2. For this purpose, an adjustable switch controllerASC1 and a master clock MC1 are provided. The adjustable switchcontroller is preset to control the closing of the control switches CS1and CS2 at independently preselected phases during each cycle ofoperation thereof and the master clock MC1 controls the speed at whichthe adjustable switch controller is swept through each cycle, i.e., themaster clock regulates the times at which the annunciators AN1 and AN2are rendered operative. Accordingly, the master clock MCI, theadjustable switch controller ASCl and the control switches CS1 and CS2cooperate to control the operations of the annunciators AN1 and AN2 sothat the annunciators are rendered operative at independentlypreselected times during a given time interval.

In its exemplary form, the main control station also includes means formonitoring the remote equipment and for rendering an alarm ALI, locatedat the main control station, operative when undesired conditions aredetected in the remotely located equipment. For this purpose, monitorsMN1 and MN2 are provided which are independently associated electricallywith the pieces of remote equipment RBI and RE2. Upon detecting aprescribed out-of-tolerance or faulty condition in the associated pieceof remote equipment, the monitors MN1 and MN2 render the alarm ALIoperative whereby an operator is apprised of the out-of-tolerance orfaulty condition.

In order to provide a better understanding of the present invention,reference is made to FIGS. 2a and 2b wherein an exemplary schematicdiagram corresponding to the remote signaling system shown in block formin FIG. 1 is illustrated. As may be seen in FIG. 2b, the annunciator AN1includes an indicator lamp 1N3 which is illuminated to provide a visualindication and a motor M4 which actuates an associated clapper toprovide an aural indication when the annunciator is rendered operative.A lock-in switch LS1 is also associated with the motor M4 and, as willbecome apparent, the switch LS1 is provided for the purpose of bypassingthe associated control switch CS1 when the annunciator is renderedoperative. In like manner, the annunciator AN2 includes an indicatorlamp 1N4 and a motor M5 having a clapper and a lock-in switch LS2associated therewith. Energizing potential for the annunciators AN1 andAN2 is supplied by an A-C source (FIG. 2a) through a transformer T1(FIG. 2b).

The indicators IN1 and 1N2 provided at the main control station, whichare respectively connected in parallel with the annunciators AN1 andAN2, are also illustrated as indicator lamps. Accordingly, upon theassociated annunciators being rendered operative, the lamps IN1 and 1N2will be illuminated to provide a visual indication at the main controlstation of annunciator operation at the remote station.

The adjustable switch controller ASC1 is disclosed as including a motorM3 which controls the operation of a cam member CM1 and a singlepole-double throw motor control switch MCSl. The cam member CM1, inturn, controls the operation of the control switches CS1 and CS2 atpreselected positions during its total travel, while the control switchMCSl conditions the motor M3 for intermittent operation. As thedescription proceeds, it will be apparent that the motor M3 isintermittenly rendered operative whereby the cam member CM1 issteppingly advanced through its total travel at a desired rate.

Referring to FIG. 3, the details of an exemplary form of the'adjustableswitch controller ASC1 are shown. The cam member CM1 together with aswitch, corresponding to one of the control switches CS1 and CS2, aredisclosed as a rotary-selector switch which may, for example, beconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the copendingapplication Ser. No. 443,491, filed on Mar. 29, 1965, now Patent No.3,329,780, which has a common assignee, The switch includes acylindrical cam member CM1 which has a boss or protuberance 20 formed onthe outer surface thereof and which is mounted on a shaft 21 forrotation therewith. The shaft 21 is driven by the motor M3 through aratchet-pawl arrangement so that the cam member CM1 is steppinglyadvanced through each revolution.

As may be seen, the ratchet-pawl arrangement includes a ratchet wheel23, a driving pawl 24 and a locking pawl 25. The driving pawl 24 isdriven by the motor M3 through an eccentric cam 24a so that during eachrevolution of the motor shaft, the pawl is driven into engagement with adetent or tooth in the ratchet wheel whereby the ratchet wheel isadvanced one step and the pawl is then retracted.

The locking pawl 25 serves to detent the ratchet wheel 23 'to establishdefinite positions therefor and also prevents the wheel 23 from backingup when the drive pawl 24 is retracted in frictional contact therewith.Locking pawl 25 is rotatably mounted on an eccentric adjusting cam 25awhich turns with a stub shaft 25b journaled on a stationary support (notshown). This arrangment permits the locking pawl 25 to be adjustedrelative to the ratchet wheel 23 by turning the shaft 25b to alter thesetting of the eccentric cam 25a. The spring 250 assists the drive pawl24 on its driving stroke, and also maintains a continuous inward biasingforce on both pawls 24 and 25.

As mentioned above, the motor control switch MCSl is provided so thatthe motor M3 is intermittently rendered operative whereby the cam memberCM1 is steppingly advanced through its total travel. For the purpose ofcontrolling the operation of the switch MCSl, an off-set cam member 26is mounted on the shaft of the motor M3 and a cam follower 27, whichrides along the outer surface of the cam member 26, is formed integrallywith the contact arm of the switch MCSl. Due to the fact that the cammember 26 is off-set, the contact arm of the switch MCSl is maintainedin engagement with the upper terminal MCSla during one-half of eachmotor revolution and is maintained in engagement with the lower contactterminal MCSlb during the other half of each motor revolution.

Let it be assumed that the contact arm of switch MCSl is in engagementwith terminal MSClb, i.e., cam follower 27 on the lower step of cam 26,and power is applied to terminal MCSlb so that the motor M3 is renderedoperative and the shaft 39 is rotated. As rotational movement isimparted to the shaft 39, the pawl 24 is advanced into engagement with atooth in the ratchet wheel 23 so that the ratchet wheel, shaft 21 andthus the cam member CM1 are rotated. During the first onehalf revolutionof the shaft 39, the cam member CM1 will have been rotated one step,i.e., a fraction of its total travel. When the shaft 39 completes theaforesaid onehalf revolution, the contact arm of MCSl is driven out ofengagement with terminal MCSlb and the motor M3 is thereforedeenergized, The stroke of the contact arm, as it leaves terminal MCSlb,is sufficient to bring it into engagement with terminal MCSla.Subsequently, when power is applied to terminal MCSla, the motor M3 isagain energized until the shaft 3 9 is rotated to drive the contact armout of engagement with terminal MCSla and the motor is deenergized. Thiscauses the shaft 39 to be rotated another one-half revolution. Duringthis latter one-half revolution, the pawl 24 is retracted and thecontact arm returns to terminal MCSlb. In view of the foregoing, itfollows that the cam member CM1 is advanced one step during eachrevolution of the motor M3. Additionally, it follows that, if power isalternately applied to the terminals MCSla and MCSlb at the end ofprescribed time intervals, the cam mem ber CM1 will be steppinglyadvanced along its total travel at a rate equal to the pulse repetitionrate applied to each of the terminals.

In the exemplary arrangement, a switch assembly CS, which corresponds tothe control switches CS1 and CS2 in FIGS. 2a and 2b, is provided for thepurpose of prgd ing an automatic switch operation. As may be seen, theswitch assembly includes a pair of contact members 30a and 3012 whichmay be connected in the remote signaling system by means of terminals31a and 31b. For the purpose of this description, it will be assumedthat the upper contact member 30a is rigid, whereas the lower contactmember 3017 is flexible. Additionally, it will be assumed that thecontact members 30a and 30b are normally not in engagement, i.e., theswitch CS is open. The switch assembly CS is secured to a cup-like setwheel 32 for rotational movement therewith and the wheel has a centrallylocated circular aperture 32a for receiving the shaft 21 so that thewheel 32 may be rotated relative to the shaft and thus relative to thecam member CM1. A detent spring 33 is provided for engaging detents inthe inner surface of the cup-like Wheel 32 so that the Wheel may belocated in a desired position, the detent spring 33 being secured to aplate 344: which forms a part of a main housing or panel 34.

For the purpose of causing the contact members 30a and 30b to be movedinto and out of engagement with one another, i.e., for the purpose ofcontrolling the opening and closing of the switch, a U-shaped camfollower 35 is formed integrally with the lower contact member 301). Theswitch assembly CS is so mounted on the wheel 32 that the boss 20 on thecam member CM1 engages the cam follower 35 when it is rotated therepast.When the cam follower 3 5 is not engaged by the boss 20-, the contactmembers 30a and 30b are in their open or nonengaging positions. When theboss 20 engages the cam follower 35, the lower contact member 30b isdriven into engagement with the upper contact member 30a so that theswitch is closed. In view of the foregoing, it follows that, if thecup-like wheel 3.2 is rotated until the switch assembly CS is in adesired relative position in respect of the cam member CM1, the switchwill be closed when the boss 20 reaches a desired angular positionduring each revolution of the cam member CM1. Since the rate at whichthe cam member CM1 is steppingly rotated is dependent on the rate atwhich power is alternately applied to the contacts MCSla and MCSlb, itfollows that the time at which the switch is closed is likewisedependent thereon.

If it is assumed that the switch assembly CS is to be presettable sothat the switch is closed at a desired quarter-hour during a twenty-fourhour period, then ninetysix equally spaced detents must be provided inthe Wheel 32 for engagement by the detent spring 33, and the cam memberCM1 must be driven through one revolution each twenty-four hours.Additionally, ninety-six equally spaced teeth must be provided in theratchet wheel 23, and each stroke of the pawl 24 must correspond to onetooth so that ninety-six steps are provided in the total cam travelwhich correspond to the ninety-six quarterhours in a twenty-four hourperiod. In order for the cam member CM1 to be driven one step everyquarter-hour so that it is driven through a revolution every twentyfourhours, one pulse must be applied to each of the contacts MCSla and MCSlbevery fifteen minutes, with sufficient time allowed between the pulsesapplied alternately to the two contacts for the motor M3 to complete ahalf revolution.

As may be seen, a portion of the wheel 32 projects through a slot in themain housing or panel 34 and a window in an escutcheon plate 34b so thatthe wheel 32 may be manually engaged for rotational movement.Additionally, time markings are provided on the outer surface of wheel32 and a time indicating arrow 38 is provided on the escutcheon plate341) for providing a visual indication of the preset time for closure ofthe switch.

For the purpose of limiting the rotational movement of the wheel 32, apin 43 is slidably mounted in an arcuate slot 41 of wheel 32. As thewheel 32 is rotated in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, aposition is reached in which the pin 43 engages an extending arm 6 42 ofthe plate 34a so that further rotational movement of the wtheel 32 isprevented. The slot 41 is provided to allow some arcuate movement of thepin 43 whereby the wheel 32 is permitted to be rotated through a full360 degrees, but no more, since it is desirable to limit the amount ofrotational movement of the wheel 32 to 360 degrees to prevent the leadsconnected to the terminals 31a and 311) from being cumulatively wrappedaround the shaft 21.

While only a single switch arrangement is shown in FIG. 3, it will beunderstood that a plurality of switch assemblies CS and associated setwheels 32 may be associated with a common cam member or commonly drivencam members and that the switch assemblies may be independently presetto be closed at desired relative positions during each revolution of thecam member or cam members.

For the purpose of controlling the application of power to the terminalsMCSla and MCSlb (FIGS. 2m and 2b), a single pole-double throw motorcontrol switch MCS2 has been provided in the master clock MCI. As may beseen, power is supplied to the motor M3 from the A-C supply 15 throughthe series arrangement of the motor control switches MCS2 and MCSI. Ifthe contact arms of the switches MCSl and MCS2 are respectively inengagement with their upper terminals MCSla and MCS2a, it will beapparent that power is supplied to the motor M3 50 that the motor isenergized. Likewise, if the contact arms of the switches MCSl and MCS2are respectively in engagement with their lower terminals MCSlb andMCSZb power is supplied to the motor M3 so that the motor is energized.In view of the foregoing description of the operation of the adjustableswitch controller ASCl, it follows that, if the contact arm of theswitch MCS2 is alternately moved into engagement with its oppositeterminal at the end of prescribed time intervals, the cam member CM1 isadvanced through its total travel at a desired rate.

For the purpose of controlling the switching of the contact arm ofswitch MCS2 between engagement with terminals MCS2a and MCS2b, themaster clock includes control means which, in turn, includes, in itsexemplary form, three cylindrical members or wheels SW1, MW1 and HWI.The three wheels are clock wheels and are respectively designated theseconds wheel, the minutes wheel and the hours wheel. The seconds wheelSW1 is mounted on a shaft driven through a one-way clutch 46 by a motorM1 which operates at a speed of one r.p.rn. so that the seconds wheelmakes one revolution per minute. The minutes wheel is mounted on a shaftwhich is connected to the motor driven seconds wheel shaft through a60:1 ratio gear so that the minutes wheel makes one revolution for everysixty revolutions of the seconds wheel, i.e., the minutes wheel makesone revolution per hour. Finally, the hours wheel HWl is mounted on ashaft which is connected to the minutes wheel shaft through a 24:1 ratiogear so that the hours wheel makes one revolution for every twenty-fourrevolutions of the minutes wheel, i.e., the hours wheel makes onerevolution per twenty-four hours or per day.

The actual switching operation of the motor control switch MCS2 iscontrolled by a cam member CM2 formed integrally with the minutes wheelMHl which causes the contact arm of the switch MCS2 to be alternatelydriven into engagement with the terminals MCS2a and MCS2]; at prescribedtimes during each revolution of the minutes Wheel. For the purpose ofthis description, it will be assumed that the cam member CM2 is designedto cause the contact arm of switch MCS2 to be driven into engagementwith the opposite terminal at the end of each 45 degree rotation of theminutes wheel. That is, the contact arm is driven into engagement withthe opposite terminal eight times during each revolution of the minuteswheel and, thus, in the exemplary arrangement, eight times during eachhour (at the end of every 7 /2 minutes). As

a result, the motor M3 is energized and, thus, made to turn one-halfrevolution at the end of every 7 /2 minutes whereby the cam member CMl(FIG. 3) is advanced one step every fifteen minutes, i.e., everyquarter-hour.

For the purpose of providing a running indication of the timerepresented by the clock wheels SW1, MW1 and HW1, a time indicatingarrow 40 is positioned adjacent the wheels and time representing marksare provided on the outer surfaces of the wheels. Accordingly, sixtyequally spaced marks are provided on the outer surfaces of the secondswheel SW1 and the minutes wheel MW1 which are sequentially numbered fromone to sixty. These markings thus represent the sixty seconds duringeach minute and the sixty minutes during each hour. In like manner, thehours wheel HW1 is provided with twenty-four equally spaced marks whichmay, if desired, be divided into two sequentially numbered groups oftwelve, one for AM and the other for PM, as shown in FIG. 2a. Theinstantaneous clock hand positions represented by the seconds wheel, theminutes wheel and the hours wheel are indicated by the numbers laterallyadjacent the arrow 40.

It will be appreciated that the output of the clock MCI (as representedby the closures of switch MCS2) can, if desired, be used to operate aplurality of adjustable switch controller modules such as ASCl.

A brief description of the operation of the remote signaling system asthus far described may be helpful. In response to the applicationthereto of power from the A-C supply 15, the motor M1 is operating at aspeed of one r.p.m. causing the seconds wheel SW1 to rotate at a speedof one revolution per minute, the minutes wheel MW1 to rotate at a speedof one revolution per hour and the hours wheel HW1 to rotate at a speedof one revolu tion per day. During each revolution of the minutes wheelMW1, the position of the contact arm of switch MCS2 is switched eighttimes, i.e., at the end of every 7 /2 minute time interval, so that themotor M3 is energized for onehalf revolution every 7 /2 minutes and thecam member CMl is advanced one step in its total travel every fifteenminutes. At a preselected time during the twenty-four hour time intervalrequired for the cam member CMl to be steppingly driven through itstotal travel, the control switch CS1 is closed thereby connecting theindicator light INl across the secondary of the transformer T1 poweredby the A-C supply 15. As a result, the indicator light 1N1 at the maincontrol station 10 is illuminated. Additionally, the indicator light 1N3of the remotely located annunciator ANl is illuminated and the motor M4therein is energized, causing the clapper to be operated. Consequently,an aural indication and a visual indication are provided by the remotelylocated annunciator at a desired time so that, for example, an operatori directed to perform a desired operation on the piece of remotelylocated equipment RE1. At the appropriate time, when the control switchCS2 is closed, the annunciator AN2 will, in like manner, be renderedoperative so that both a visual indication and an aural indication areprovided thereby at remote station No. 2, directing the operator toperform some operation on remote equipment RE2.

Once an annunciator ANl or AN2 is rendered operative or energized, it isdesirable for the annunciator to remain operative until a desired remoteoperation is performed. It will be apparent that, in the absence oflock-in means, the operated annunciator will be rendered nonoperativeonce the contacts of relay K1 are opened or the associated controlswitch CS1 or CS2 is opened. In the exemplary arrangement, the lock-inswitches LS1 or LS2 are provided in the annunciators ANl or AN2 forperforming this lock-in function, the lock-in switches bypassing thecontacts of relay K1 and the control switches CS1 and CS2 when closed.As previously mentioned, the lock-in switches are closed when theassociated motors M4 and M5 in the annunciators ANl and AN2 areenergized. Thus, once an annunciator is energized, it locks itself inthe energized condition. For the purpose of deenergizing theannunciators, push buttons PB1 and PB2 are associated with switches LS1and LS2, a switch being opened and an annunciator being deenergizedthereby when the associated push button is depressed. Since the pushbuttons are located at the remote locations, it follows that, once anannunciator is energized, it can thereafter he deenergized only bydepressing a push button at the remote location. Accordingly, anoperator is directed to perform a desired operation on the remoteequipment until he depresses the associated push button.

Aside from performing this operation, the only way that the annunciatoroperation can be shut off, once started, is by cutting off the powersupply. To cover the possibility of a power failure, there is providedan annunciator in accordance with this invention which includes amechanical memory feature allowing the device to remain in its actuatedcondition during a power-off interval and consequently to resume itsoperation when the power is later turned back on.

In accordance with this and other aspects of the present invention, anovel annunciator is provided which produces both an aural indicationand a visual indication upon being energized. More specifically, theannunciator provides an aural indication in the form of a ringing orbuzzing and a visual indication in the form of a flashing light whichdoes not produce radio interference. Additionally, the annunciator isprovided with time delayed switch closing means which, in the exemplaryarrangement, is utilized for locking the annunciator in the energizedcondition once it is energized.

Referring to FIGS. 4a4c, it may be seen that the annunciator ANl has amain housing 70 which has a window 71 formed therein. Motor M4 ismounted in the housing 70 and is connected to a pair of input terminals73a and 73b so that the motor is energized when power is supplied acrossthe input terminals. Additionally, indicator lamp 1N3 is mounted in thehousing behind the window 71 and is likewise connected to the inputterminals 73a and 73b for energization in response to the application ofpower thereto.

For the purpose of producing an aural indication when the motor M4 isenergized, a clapper 76 is associated therewith which is renderedoperative when the motor is energized. Since the details of combining aclapper with a motor for operation when the motor is energized are wellknown to those skilled in the art, the details will not be set forthherein. In order to produce the effect of a flashing light, a shutter 77is interposed between the lamp 1N3 and the window 71 and is mounted onthe shaft of the motor 72 for rotation therewith. As may be seen, theshutter 77 has an ofl-set portion 77a and allows light from the lamp 1N3to pass through the window 71 only when the off-set portion thereof isso positioned that no part of the shutter is interposed between the lampand the window. Accordingly, light from the lamp will pass through thewindow 71 only during a portion of each revolution of the shutter 77 sothat a flashing effect is provided by the annunciator. This means ofproducing a flashing light effect is free of radio interference.

In its exemplary form, the annunciator also includes the contacts LSlband LSla (corresponding to switch LS1 of FIGS. 2a and 2b) which arerespectively connected to input terminals 73b and 730 so that acompleted circuit is provided across these input terminals whenthecontacts are in engagement. For the purpose of this description, it willbe assumed that contact LSlb is flexible and contact LSla is rigid. Forthe purpose of causing the contact LSlb to be moved into engagement withcontact LSla a delayed time period after the motor M4 is energized, ascrew-like post member 80 is provided which is mounted on the shaft ofthe motor M4 for rotation therewith and which has a helical ramp 80aformed therein for engaging the flexible contact LSlb. If it is assumedthat the flexible contact LSlb is in engagement with the lower portionof the ramp 80a (as indicated by the dotted representation of contactmember LSlb in FIG. 4c) when the motor M4 is deenergized, the contactsLSla and LSlb are then not in engagement due to their horizontalspacing, and an open circuit is provided between terminals 73b and 73c.Subsequently, when the motor M4 is energized and the post member 80 isrotated, the contact LSlb rides up the helical ramp 80a and side- Wardlymoves into engagement with the contact LSla (as indicated by the solidrepresentation of contact member LSlb in FIG. 40) so that a circuit iscompleted between terminals 73b and 73c. Thus, a prescribed time periodafter the motor is energized, as determined by the time required for thecontact LSlb to ride up the ramp 80a into engagement with the contactLSla, a circuit is completed ebetween terminals 73b and 73c.

For the purpose of resetting the contacts LSla and LSlb to the open,nonengaged position, the push button FBI is provided. When the pushbutton FBI is depressed, the flexible contact LS'lb is driven down thescrew-like member 80 untilqit is once again in engagement with the lowerportion of the ramp 80a and laterally displaced from the fixed contactLSla. The opening of contacts LS1, in this manner, deenergizes the lamp1N3 and motor M4. But, if the push button PBl should be released beforethe deenergized motor M4 has coasted to a full stop, the continuingrotation of the helical member 80 may again close the contacts LS1 and,thus, lock the annunciator back in the energized condition. To avoidwaiting for the motor to coast to a stop, there is provided a mechanicalbrake 90 in the form of a fiat-leaf spring, one end of which is securedby rivets 92 to the underside of the top wall of the housing ofannunciator ANl. The free end of the leaf spring divides into a pair ofprongs 94 and 96, defining between them a crotch 98 for receiving theshaft of the push button PBl. A shoulder 99 formed on the push buttonshaft enables it to engage the member 90. The inherent resilience ofthis member 90 causes it to yieldably bias the push button PBl upwardlyby bearing against shoulder 99, thus senving as a return spring for thepush button. In addition, when the push button is depressed against thespring force, to open contacts LS1, the member 90 is forced down-warduntil a curled-under finger 96a, formed on the end of the prong 96,engages the shutter disk 77 as the latter rotates with the coastingmotor M4. Consequently, the downward force on push button PBl causesmember 96a to brake the rotation of disk 77 and motor M4 so that .theannunciator ANl comes promptly to a fully stopped condition. Then thepush button PBl can be released without further waiting and without riskthat the annunciator AN1 will reenergize itself.

-As previously mentioned, the lock-in switches LS1 and LS2 are providedto lock in the annunciators around the contacts of the relay K1 andswitches CS1 and CS2 so that once the annunciators are energized, theywill remain energized until the lock-in switches LS1 and LS2 are 7opened. Accordingly, a prescribed time interval after an annunciator isrendered operative the associated lock-in switch is closedto lock it inthe operative condition. Once an annunciator of this type is energized,it will remain energized until the push button FBI or PB-2 at the remotelocation is depressed, no deenergizing means being provided in the maincontrol station. Thus, an operator at the remote location iscontinuously directed to perform a desired function until he depressesthe push button. If the power should fail while the annunciator is thuslocked in, the annunciator motor M4 ceases operating, thus shutting offthe aural indication of the clapper 76 and the visual indication of thelamp 1N3. But this condition persists' only duringthe power-offinterval. Movable contact LSlb remains in engagement with fixed contactLSla to provide a mechanical memory of the energized condi- It will beappreciated that the other annunciators in the system, such as ANZ, maybe similarly constructed, and that the foregoing description would applyequally thereto.

Each closure of the control switches CS1 and CS2 lasts the fullfifteen-minute interval between stepping movements of the cam CMil. Thismeans that, when triggered, the annunciators ANI and AN 2 could becontinuously energized through respective switches CS1 and CS2 for afull fifteen minutes independently of the push buttons P81 and PBZ. Theoperator at the remote station would be unable to turn the annunciatoroff by means of the push button during this entire time. To avoid this,means are provided for conditioning the annunciators |AN1 and ANZ foroperation so that the control switches CS1 and CS2 are effective torender the associated annunciators AN-l and tANZ Operative only during aprescribed portion of the time interval when the cam member 0M1 is ateach position along its total travel. For this purpose, the contacts Klaand Klb of a relay K l are connected in series with the respectivecontrol switches CS1, CS2. The relay contacts are normally open and areclosed in response to energization of the relay K1. As a result, theannunciators AN1 and ANZ are rendered operative only when the associatedcontrol switches CS1 and CS2 are closed and the relay contacts Klla andK1b are likewise closed (i.e., when the relay K1 is energized). As maybe seen, power is supplied to the relay K1 by the A-C supply 15 througha transformer T2 and a full wave rectifying bridge network .31.

For the purpose of controlling the flow of current to the relay K1, apair of control switches CS3 and CS4 are interposed between thesecondary of transformer "1 2 and the bridge network B1. The operationof the control switch CS3 is controlled by a cam member (3M3 which isformed integrally with the seconds wheel SW1. Thus, the seconds WheelSW1 controls a switching operation as well as providing an indication oftime. For the purpose of this description, it will be assumed that theswitch CS3 is closed for 12 degrees during each 360 degree revolution ofthe seconds wheel SW1 beginning when the sixty seconds mark is adjacentthe time indicating arrow 40. Accordingly, the switch CS3 is closed forapproximately two seconds every minute. The operation of the controlswitch CS4 is similarly controlled by a cam member CM4 which is formedintegrally with the minutes wheel M Wl. Also for the purpose of thisdescription, it will be assumed that the switch CS4 is closed for 4 /2degrees during each degree portion of the 360 degree revolution of theminutes wheel MWl, it being further assumed that the closure is centeredabout each fifteenminute or quarter-hour representing mark. Accordingly,the switch CS4 is closed four times during each minutes wheelrevolution, i.e., four times per hour, each closure occurring when theminutes wheel is in a quarter-hour position. In view of the foregoing,it may be seen that the switches CS3 and CS4 are simultaneously closedfor approximately a two second time period during the fifteenminute timeinterval when the cam member 0M1 is at each position in its totaltravel. Thus, the relay K1 is energized and the annunciators IANl and AN2 are thereby conditioned for energization only during the two secondperiod. The annunciators are designed to be easily triggerable by a twosecond pulse, i.e., the speed of motor M4 is more than sufficient toadvance contact LS1!) all the Way up the ramp 80a within two seconds toassure that the annunciator AN-l will be locked in the energizedcondition after an energizing pulse of that duration.

The relay K1, in addition to limiting the duration of the energizingpulse applied to an annunciator, also serves to prevent sneak circuitswhich would otherwise occur whenever a plurality of annunciators ANl andtANZ happen to be set for triggering in the same fifteen-minuteinterval. Suppose there were no relay contacts Kla and Klb and insteadthe leads and 108 were permanently connected to a common point 100.Suppose further that both annunciators AN1 and AN2 are energizedconcurrently and an operator at one of the remote stations attempts toshut off his own annunciator (e.g., ANII) by depressing push button PB1,while the annunciator AN2 at the other remote station continues tooperate. Even with the button PB1 depressed to hold switch LS1 open, thepotential available at terminal 102 of the energized annunciator AN2would keep annunciator AN1 also energized via a sneak circuit comprisingleads 103, 104, 106 and 108, the assumed common point '100, and leads110, 112, 1113 and 114. Thus, the push button P-Bl would be ineffectiveto shut off annunciator AN1 while annunciator AN2 is energized. The samedifliculty would be encountered in trying to shut off annunciator AN2while annunciator tA-Nl is energized. In general terms, when a pluralityof annunciators is energized concurrently, the only way to turn any oneof them off would be to turn all of them off by depressing theirrespective push buttons simultaneously, a difficult problem ofcoordination since the annunciators would normally be at differentremote locations. Depressing all of the push buttons in succession wouldnot be effective to shutoff the annunciators, because as soon as one ofthe push buttons PB1 was released while the motor M4 was still energizedthrough the sneak circuit, the helical member 80 would begin to move thecontact LSlb up into position to again lock the annunciator AN1 in theenergized condition. It will now be appreciated that the relay contactsKla and Klb avoid this sneak circuit problem by disconnecting leads 110and 108 from the common point 100 after closing for the two secondinterval required to allow the annunciators to lock in the energizedcondition.

In order for the remote signaling system to function correctly so thatthe annunciators AN1 and AN2 are rendered operative at desired timesduring a day, some means must be provided for presetting the masterclock so that the time represented by the clock wheels SW1, MW1 and HWlis the correct time. In the exemplary arrangement, a second drivingmotor M2 is provided for driving the clock wheels. As may be seen, theshaft of the motor M2 is connected to the shaft of the seconds Wheel SW1through a one-way clutch 45. Accordingly, when the motor M2 isenergized, the shaft of the seconds wheel is driven at a speeddetermined by the operating speed of the motor M2. Due to the presenceof the one-way clutches 45 and 46, the motors M2 and M1 do not driveeach other. If it is assumed that the motor M2 operates at a speed ofone hundred and eighty r.p.m., it will be readily appreciated that theclock wheels will be driven at a much faster speed when the motor M2 isenergized. Accordingly, the time represented by the clock wheels may berapidly altered by energizing the motor M2 so that the time representedthereby is rapidly swept past the actual time. Subsequently, if bothmotors M1 and M2 are deenergized, the actual time will eventually catchup with the time represented by the clock wheels. Once the timerepresented by the master clock and the actual time are in phase, themotor M1 is again energized and the time represented by the master clockwill continue to correspond to the actual time.

For the purpose of controlling the operation of motors M1 and M2,whereby the master clock may be preset, a multi-contact clock presetswitch CPSl has been provided. In its exemplary form, the switch CPS1has three positions: a normal position wherein the clock wheels aredriven by the motor M1, a race position wherein the clock wheels aredriven by the motor M2, and a pause position wherein both motors M1 andM2 are deenergized. Power is supplied to the motor M1 by the A-C supplythrough contact CPSlc of the clock preset switch CPSl. When the switchCPSl is in the normal or race position, the contact CPSlc is closed sothat the motor M1 is energized. Conversely, when the switch CPSl is inthe pause position, the contact CPSlc is open and the motor M1 isdeener- 12 gized. On the other hand, power is supplied to the motor M2by the A-C supply 15 through the series circuit of contacts CPSlc andCPSlb of the switch CPSl. When the switch CPSl is in the normal or pauseposition, the contact CPSlc is closed but the contact CPSlb is open sothat the motor M2 is deenergized. Conversely, when the switch CPSl is inthe race position, the contact CPSlc remains closed and the contactCPSlb is also closed so that the motor M2 is energized.

For the purpose of preventing overtravel of the clock wheels when themotor M2 is deenergized, a momentary braking circuit is associated withthe motor M2. The braking circuit includes a capacitor 51, a resistor52, and a diode 53. A charging path for the capacitor 51 is providedthrough the resistor 52, the diode 53, and a contact CPSla of the switchCPSl. When the switch CPSl is thrown to the race position, the cont actCPSla completes a charging circuit for the capacitor 51 so that a chargeis 'attained thereon during the time period when the master clock is inthe race condition. Subsequently, when the switch CPSl is thrown out ofthe race position, the capacitor charging circuit is open and thecapacitor 51 is connected in series with the motor M2. As a result, thecapacitor discharges through the motor M2 and thereby imparts amomentary braking action to the motor so that the shaft thereof israpidly stopped upon deenergization of the motor M2.

In view of the foregoing, it will be apparent that the master clock maybe readily preset so that the time represented thereby corresponds tothe actual time. To effect such presetting, the switch CPSl is thrown tothe race position until the time represented by the master clockslightly exceeds the actual time. The switch CPSl is then thrown to thepause position until the actual time'corresponds to the time representedby the master clock, at which time the switch CPSl is thrown to thenormal position. Subsequently, the time represented by the master clockwill correspond to the actual time. Additionally, it will be readilyappreciated that, during the race operation of the master clock, the cammember CM1 will be rapidly advanced along its total travel to a positionslightly in advance of the position representative of the actual time.During the time interval when the master clock is in the pause position,the cam member CM1 will remain in the same position so that, when theswitch CPSl is thrown to the normal position, the position of the cammember CM1 in its total travel corresponds to the actual time.

In setting the clock MC1 by means of switch CPSI, the clock may possiblybe held in the pause condition at just the right time setting fortriggering one of the anmmciators AN1 or AN2. If this happened, theannunciator would operate continuously during the pause interval and theoperator at the remote station would be unable to shut off theannunciator by means of the push button PB1 or PB2, because the switchesCS3, CS4 and CS1 or CS2 would then be held motionless in position toenergize the annunciator independently of the push button. To preventthis from happening, the switch CPSI includes contacts CPSle which openwhen the switch is in the pause position, to open the circuit ofswitches CS3 and CS4 and relay K1. This disables the relay contacts Klaand Klb and, thus, prevents operation of the annunciators AN1 and AN2while the system is in the pause condition.

When the clock MCI is in the race condition, the two second periodduring which the annunciators AN1 and AN2 can be triggered is telescopedinto a much shorter time because the clock wheels SW1 and MWl turn muchfaster and, therefore, produce much shorter closures of switches CS3 andCS4. This causes a problem when it is desired to actuate theannunciators AN1 and AN2 during race operation if any of them are due to'be triggered at any of the time settings which the clock MCI racesthrough. For example, suppose there is a power failure shortly beforeone of the annunciators is due to be triggered, and as a result theclock MCI stands idle until past the triggering time. Then, the powerfailure is discovered and corrected, and the clock MCI is raced ahead toreset it to the proper time. In this situation, it might be desirable totrigger the annunciator as the clock races through the time set fortriggering. In this way, the annunciator signal, though late, iseventually given instead of being omitted entirely. Or, to take anothersituation, the operator may wish to make a test to determine whether theannunciators are operating properly, by running the system quicklythrough a simulated long time period at race speed. In either case, theannunciators should be triggerable during race operation. But theproblem encountered is that the closure of switches CS3 and CS4 producedduring race operation is too brief to pro duce detectable operation ofan annunciator, and also too brief to give the contact LSla time to runup the ramp 80a for locking the annunciator in energized condition. Forthis reason, when the master clock MCI is in the race condition, meansdifferent from those employed in the normal operation are used tocontrol relay K1. A control switch CS5 is provided which is connected inparallel with the series arrangement of control switches CS3 and CS4through a contact CPSld of the switch CPSI that is closed when theswitch is placed in the race condition. Thus, power for the relay K1 issupplied through control switch CS5 when switch CPSI is in the raceposition. The operation of the control switch CS5, like the operation ofthe motor control switch MCS2, is controlled by the cam member CM2formed integrally with the minutes wheel MW1. In view of the foregoingdescription of the operation of the motor control switch MCS2, it willbe readily appreciated that the control switch CS5 is alternatelyswitched between the open and closed positions eight times during eachrevolution of the minutes wheel MW1. As a result, the relay KI will bealternately energized and deenergized eight times, so that anyconditioned annunciators ANI and AN2 are energized for operation fourtimes, during each racing revolution of the minutes wheel MW1.Consequently, if an annunciator was preset to be rendered operativeduring the time swept through when the master clock is in the racecondition, it will be rendered operative. Furthermore, each closure ofthe switch CS5 lasts for 45 degrees of a revolution of wheel MWI, whichis two and one-half seconds under race conditions, or long enough tooperate and lock in the annunciators ANI and AN2.

For situations in which it is desired to race the clock MCI aheadwithout triggering any of the annunciators, va defeat switch 47 isinserted in series with control switch CS5. Opening of the defeat switch47 takes the control switch CS5 out of circuit and prevents it fromoperating the relay K1, while closing of the switch 47 has the oppositeeffect.

As previously set forth, the remote signaling system includes means formonitoring the operation of the remote equipment and for rendering analarm ALI operative when a faulty or out-of-tolerance condition isdetected. For the purpose of this description, it will be assumed that afaulty or out-of-tolerance condition exists in the respective pieces ofremote equipment REI and RE2 when associated switches PSI ad PS2 areclosed. In the exemplary arrangement, energizing power is supplied tothe monitoring units MNI and MN2 by the A-C supply 15 through thetransformer T2, a full wave rectifying bridge network B2 and the faultdetecting switches PSI and PS2 in the pieces of remote equipment RBI andRE2. The monitor MNI includes an indicator lamp INS which is illuminatedin response to closure of the switch PSI. Additionally, the monitor MNIincludes a capacitor 55 which passes a signal from the bridge network B2to the alarm ALI when the switch PS1 is initially closed. In likemanner, the monitor MN2 includes an indicator lamp 1N6 and a capacitor56.

In the exemplary arrangement, a single alarm ALI is provided forindicating the detection of an out-of-tolerance or faulty condition ineither of the remote pieces of equipment RBI and RE2, the particularremote equipment wherein the out-of-tolerance or faulty condition existsbeing indicated by the indicator lights 1N5 and 1N6. The alarm ALIincludes an aural alarm sounding device 58 (such as a buzzer) which isconnected across the secondary winding of the transformer T2 through thenormally open contact K20 of a relay K2. The energization of the relayK2 and, thus, the energization of the alarm device 58, is controlled bya transistor TR1, shown as an NPN type transistor. The operation of thetransistor TR1 is, in turn, controlled by a second transistor TR2, alsoshown as being of the NPN type. As will be apparent, the transistor TR2is rendered conductive in response to closure of either of the switchesPS1 or PS2 so that the transistor TR1 is rendered conductive and therelay K2 is energized whereby the buzzer 58 is energized.

As may be seen, the output of the bridge network B2 is supplied to thealarm circuit ALI. A smoothing capacitor 60 is connected across thebridge network output for causing a substantially steady state inputvoltage having a polarity as designated, to be applied to the alarmcircuit. For the purpose of regulating the potential applied to selectedparts of the alarm circuit, a voltage-dividing network consisting ofresistors 61, 62 and 63 is connected in parallel with the capacitor 60.The base of the transistor TR2 is connected to the lower terminal of theresistor 63 through a current limiting resistor 64 and the emitter oftransistor TR2 is connected to the upper terminal of the resistor 63through a resistor 65. As a result, the emitter of transistor TR2 isnormally maintained positive with respect to the base thereof so thatthe transistor is normally nonconductive. The base of transistor TR1 isconnected to the emitter of transistor TR2 and is thus connected to theupper terminal of the resistor 63 through the resistor 65, the upperterminal of resistor 63 corresponding to the lower terminal of resistor62. On the other hand, the emitter of transistor TR1 is connected to theupper terminal of resistor 62. Consequently, the emitter of transistorTR1 is also normally maintained positive with respect to the base sothat transistor TR1 is likewise normally nonconductive.

When one of the fault detecting switches PS1 or PS2 is closed, avoltage-dividing network consisting of resistor 64 and a resistor 68 isconnected across the capacitor 60 through diode or 86 and capacitor 55or 56. Assuming that the values of the resistors in the alarm circuitare correctly chosen, the base of transistor TR2 is driven positive withrespect to the emitter thereof, as a result of the voltage dropdeveloped across resistor 64, so that transistor TR2 is renderedconductive. In response to conduction of the transistor TR2, currentflows through the resistor 65 driving the base of transistor TR1positive with respect to the emitter thereof so that transistor TR1 isalso rendered conductive. In response to conduction of transistor TR1,the relay K2 is energized so that the alarm sounding device 58 islikewise energized.

It will be apparent that under steady state fault conditions, i.e., whenthe switch PS1 or PS2 remains closed, the associated capacitor 55 or 56will attain a charge, causing the current through the voltage divider ofresistors 64, 68 to approach zero. As a result, a time will be reachedwhen the voltage drop across resistor 64 is so low that the transistorsTR1 and TR2 are again rendered nonconductive and the relay K2 isdeenergized. In the absence of additional circuitry, the alarm soundingdevice 58 will also be deenergized when the relay K2 is deenergized.However, it is desirable for the alarm sounding device 58 to remainenergized until turned off by an operator who has noted the fault andordered corrective action. For the purpose of maintaining the relay K2and the alarm sounding device 58 in the energized conditions once thetransistor TR1 is rendered conductive, a normally open relay holdingcontact K2b is connected in parallel with the collector-emitter circuitof the transistor TR1 for bypass- 15 ing the transistor when the relayK2 is energized. Consequently, once the relay K2 is energized, it andthe alarm sounding device 58 will remain energized until a normallyclosed push button PB3 connected in series with the relay K2 isdepressed.

We claim as-our invention:

1. In a remote signaling system, the combination which comprises, aremotely located annunciator, means including a normally open switch forrendering the annunciator operative upon switch closure, a switchcontrol cam member associated with the switch for causing the switch to.be closed when the cam member reaches a preselected position in itstotal travel which is representative of a desired time, cam controlmeans for steppingly advancing the switch control cam member throughprescribed portions of its total travel when energized, means includinga control switch for energizing the cam control means upon switchclosure, a time representative cam member associated with the controlswitch for causing the switch to be closed for a prescribed period oftime when the time representative cam member reaches preselectedpositions in its total travel, means for advancing the timerepresentative cam member through its total travel in accordance withthe actual passage of time, and means for initially presetting the timerepresentative cam member to a position in its total travelrepresentative of the actual time so that the switch control cam memberis likewise preset to a position in its total travel representative ofthe actual time and the annunciator is rendered operative at a desiredtime.

2. In a remote indicator system, the combination which comprises, aremotely located annunciator, means including a normally open switch forrendering the annunciator operative upon switch closure, a rotatable,cylindrical cam member associated with the switch for causing the switchto be closed when the cam member reaches a preselected position in itsrevolution, cam control means including a ratchet and pawl assembly forsteppingly advancing the cam member through prescribed portions of itsrevolution when energized, means including a control switch forenergizing the cam control means upon switch closure, a timerepresentative cam member associated with the control switch for causingthe switch to be closed for a prescribed period of time when the timerepresentative cam member reaches preselected positions in its totaltravel so that the cam member is advanced one step at each position,means for advancing the time representative cam member through its totaltravel in accordance with the actual passage of time, and means operableto rapidly advance the time representative cam member through its totaltravel to a position representative of the actual time so that thecylindrical cam member is advanced to a position in its revolutionrepresentative of the actual time and the annunciator is renderedoperative at a desired time.

3. In a remote indicator system, the combination which comprises, aremotely located annunciator, means including a normally open switch forrendering the annunciator operative upon switch closure, a switchcontrol cam member associated with the switch for causing the switch tobe closed when the cam member reaches a preselected position in itstotal travel which is representative of a desired time, cam controlmeans for steppingly advancing the cam member through prescribedportions of its total travel when energized, means including a controlswitch for energizing the cam control means upon switch closure, a timerepresentative cam member associated with the control switch for causingthe switch to be closed for a prescribed period of time when the timerepresentative cam member reaches preselected positions in its totaltravel so that the cam member is advanced onestep at each position,means for advancing the time representative cam member through its totaltravel in accordance with the actual passage of time, means operable torapidly advance the time representative cam member through its totaltravel to a position representative of the actual time so that theswitch control cam member is advanced to a position in its revolutionrepresentative of the actual time and the annunciator is renderedoperative at a desired time, and means for insuring that the normallyopen switch is closed for a sufiicient time interval when closed duringoperation of the rapidly advancing means so that the annunciator isoperated.

4. In a remote indicator system, the combination which comprises, aremotely located annunciator, means including a normally open switch forrendering the annunciator operative upon switch closure, a switchcontrol cam member associated with the switch for causing the switch tobe closed when the cam member reaches a preselected position in itstotal travel which is representative of a desired time, cam controlmeans for steppingly advancing the cam member through prescribedportions of its total travel when energized, means including a controlswitch for energizing the cam control means upon switch closure, a timerepresentative cam member associated with the control switch for causingthe switch to be closed for a prescribed period of time when the timerepresentative cam member reaches preselected positions in its totaltravel so that the cam member is advanced one step at each position,means for advancing the time representative cam member through its totaltravel in accordance with the actual passage of time, means operable torapidly advance the time representative cam member through its totaltravel to a position representative of the actual time so that theswitch control canr member is advanced to a position in it revolutionrepresentative of the actual time and the annunciator is renderedoperative at a desired time, and means operable to render theannunciator inoperative when the rapidly advancing means is operative.

5. In a remote indicator system, the combination which comprises, aremotely located annunciator, means including a normally open switch forrendering the annunciator operative upon switch closure, a switchcontrol cam member associated with the switch for causing the switch tobe closed when the cam member reaches a preselected position in itstotal travel which is representative of a desired time, cam controlmeans including a ratchet and pawl assembly for steppingly advancing thecam member through prescribed portions of its total travel whenenergized, means including a control switch for energizing the camcontrol means upon switch closure, a time representative cam memberassociated with the control switch for causing the switch to be closedfor a prescribed period of time when the time representatve cant memberreaches preselected positions in its total travel so that the cam memberis advanced one step at each position, means for advancing the timerepresentative cam member through its total travel in accordance withthe actual passage of time, means operable to rapidly advance the timerepresentative cam member through its total travel to a position beyondthe position representative of the actual time, means operative toprevent the advancing means .from advancing the time representative cammember so that advancement of the time representative cam member may beprevented subsequent to advancement in response to operation of therapidly advancing means until the actual time corresponds to the timerepresented by the time representative cam member position, and meansfor rendering the annunciator inoperative when the preventing means isoperative.

6. In a remote indicator system, the combination which comprises, aremotely located annunciator, means including a normally open switch forrendering the annunciator operative upon switch closure, a switchcontrol cam member associated with the switch for causing the switch tobe closed when the cam member reaches a preselected position in itstotal travel which is representative of a desired time, cam controlmeans including a ratchet and pawl assembly for steppingly advancing thecam member through prescribed portions of its total travel whenenergized, means including a control switch for energizing the camcontrol means upon switch closure, a time representative cam memberassociated with the control switch for causing the switch to be closedfor a prescribed period of time when the time representative cam memberreaches preselected positions in its total travel so that the cam memberis advanced one step at each position, means for advancing thetimerepresentative cam member through its total travel in accordance withthe actual passage of time, means operative to rapidly advance the timerepresentative cam member through its total travel to a position beyondthe position representative of the actual time, means operative toprevent the advancing means from advancing the time representative cammember so that advancement of the time representative cam member may beprevented subsequent to advancement in response to operation of therapidly advancing means until the actual time corresponds to the timerepresented by the time representative cam member position, and brakemeans responsive to operation of the preventing means for abruptlyterminating operation of the rapidly advancing means.

7. A remote signaling system as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidannunciator comprises, a motor, an aural indicator rendered operativeupon motor energization, a pair of contacts having open and closedpositions, means for normally maintaining the contacts in the openposition, means including a screw-like member and responsive to motorenergization for closing the contacts, an indicator lamp, and meansresponsive to motor energization for intermittently blocking the flow oflight from the lamp so that the lamp appear to be flashing.

8. A remote signaling system as set forth in claim 7 which includesmeans responsive to closure of said contacts for maintaining the motorand the indicator lamp energized until the means is operated forpositioning the contacts in their open position.

9. A remote signaling system as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidannunciator comprises, a motor energized upon application of power tothe annunciator, an aural indicator rendered operative upon motorenergization, a pair of contacts having open and closed positions, meansfor normally maintaining the contacts in the open position, meansincluding a screw-like member and responsive to motor energization forproviding time delayed closure of the contacts, an indicator lampenergized upon application of power to the annunciator to provide avisual indication, and means responsive to motor energization forintermittently blocking flow of light from the lamp so that the lampappears to be flashing.

10. A remote signaling system as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidannunciator comprises, a motor which has a shaft and is energized uponapplication of power to the annunciator, an aural indicator renderedoperative upon motor energization, a pair of contacts having open andclosed positions, means including a screw-like member having a helicalramp formed therein for normally maintaining the contacts in the openposition and for providing time delayed closure of the contacts uponmotor energization, an indicator lamp energized upon application ofpower to the annunciator to provide a visual indication, and a shuttermounted on the motor shaft and physically associated with the lamp forintermittently blocking the flow of light from the lamp upon motorenergization so that the lamp appears to be flashing.

11. A remote signaling system as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidannunciator comprises, a motor which has an output shaft and which isenergized upon application of power to the annunciator, an auralindicator rendered operative upon motor energization, a post memberassociated with the motor shaft for rotation therewith and having ahelical ramp formed therein, a rigid contact member mounted adjacent oneend of the post member, a flexible contact member mounted in engagementwith the post member so that the ramp defines a path of movementtherefor, means for displacing the flexible contact member along thepost member with respect to the rigid contact member, the flexiblecontact member being moved along the ramp into engagement with the rigidcontact member upon motor energization, an indicator lamp energized uponapplication of power to the annunciator to provide a visual indication,and means responsive to motor energization for intermittently blockingflow of light from the lamp so that the lamp appears to be flashmg.

12. A remote signaling system as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidannunciator comprises, an outer housing having a window formed therein,a motor which has a shaft and is mounted in the housing for energizationupon application of power to the annunciator, an aural indicatorrendered operative upon motor energization, a screwlike memberassociated with the motor shaft for rotation therewith and having ahelical ramp formed therein, a rigid contact member mounted adjacent oneend of the screw-like member, a flexible contact member mounted inengagement with the screwlike member so that the ramp defines a path ofmovement therefor, a push button mounted in the housing for displacingthe flexible contact member along the post with respect tothe rigidcontact member when the push button is depressed, the flexible contactmember being moved along the ramp into engagement with the rigid contactmember upon motor energization, an indicator light which is mounted inthe housing adjacent the window and is energized upon application ofpower to the annunciator to provide a visual indication, a shuttermember mounted on the motor shaft for rotation therewith and disposedbetween the indicator lamp and the window for intermittently blockingthe flow of light through the window so that the lamp appears to beflash ing, and a braking member associated. with the push button andmovable therewith into engagement with the shutter member when the pushbutton ,is depressed so that braking action is thereby imparted to theshutter member and the motor.

13. A remote signaling system as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidannunciator comprises, a motor which has an output shaft and which isenergized upon application of power to the annunciator, an auralindicator rendered operative upon motor energization, a post memberassociated with the motor shaft for rotation therewith and having ahelical ramp formed therein, a rigid contact member mounted adjacent oneend of the post member, a flexible contact member mounted in engagementwith the post member so that the ramp defines a path of movementtherefor, means for displacing the flexible contact member along thepost member with respect to the rigid contact member, the flexiblecontact member being moved along the ramp into engagement with the rigidcontact member upon motor energization, an indicator lamp energized uponapplication of power to the annunciator to provide a visual indication,and means responsive to motor energization for intermittently blockingflow of light from the lamp so that the lamp appears to be flashing, theannunciator performing a memory function in the face of a power failuresince the flexible contact member remains in its position at the time ofsuch a power failure.

14. A remote signaling system as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidannunciator comprises, an outer housing having a window formed therein,a motor which has a shaft and is mounted in the housing for energizationupon application of power to the annunciator, an aural indicatorrendered operative upon motor energization, a screw-like memberassociated with the motor shaft for rotation therewith and having ahelical ramp formed therein, a rigid contact member mounted adjacent oneend of the screw-like member, a flexible contact member mounted inengagement with the screw-like member so that the ramp defines a path ofmovement therefor, a

push button mounted in the housing for displacing the flexible contactmember along the'screw-like member with -respect to the rigid-contactmember, the flexible contact member being-moved along the ramp intoengagement with the rigid contact member upon motor energization, anindicator lamp which is mounted in the housing adjacent the window andis energized upon application of pulses at a first rate and of a firstpulse duration, a second pulse means for providing a second series ofclock pulses at said first rate and of a second pulse duration shorter'than said first pulse duration and means synchronizing .said firstand'second pulse means, cam means, means connected to-said first pulsemeans and said cam means for moving and positioning said cam means anincremental distance along a path representative of an increment of timein response to each initiation by each pulse in said first series ofpulses, first switch means positioned in the path of said cam means andoperable thereby at a predetermined position in the path of said cammeans representative of a desired time, means to adjustably position therelative position of said first switch means and said cam means alongthe path of said cam means, a, second switch means, pulse responsivemeans connected to the second pulse means for operating said secondswitch means in response to the duration of each pulse of said secondseries of pulses, electrical indicator means, circuit means connecting asource, said second switch means, said first switch means and saidindicator means for energizing the indicator means in response to thecoincident operation of said first and second switch means, holding cir--cuit means bypassing both said switch means for maintaining theenergization of said indicator means in response to the energizationthereof independently of both said switch means, and reset means foropening the hold ing circuit means to deenergize said indicator. 1

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 977,809 12/ 1910 Loveridge 340309.5 1,237,517 8/1917 Honey 340 309 6 1,317,109 9/1919 Sohm 340-30942,678,095 5/1954 Chapman a- 58-34 2,730,913 1/1956 Friedman 5834 X3,041,596 6/1962 Caferro 340-3094 X 3,195,011 7/ 1965 Polin.

FOREIGN PATENTS 270,943 5/ 1957 Great Britain. 308,089 3/1933 Italy.

THOMAS B. HABECKER, Primary Examiner.

CHARLES M. MARMELSTEIN, Assistant Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R.

1. IN A REMOTE SIGNALING SYSTEM, THE COMBINATION WHICH COMPRISES, AREMOTELY LOCATED ANNUCIATOR, MEANS INCLUDING A NORMALLY SWITCH FORRENDERING THE ANNUNCIATOR OPERATIVE UPON SWITCH CLOSURE, A SWITCHCONTROL CAM MEMBER ASSOCIATED WITH THE SWITCH FOR CAUSING THE SWTICH TOBE CLOSED WHEN THE CAM MEMBER REACHES A PRESELECTED POSITION IN ITSTOTAL TRAVEL WHICH IS RESPRESENTATIVE OF A DESIRED TIME, CAM CONTROLMEANS FOR STEPPINGLY ADVANCING THE SWITCH CONTROL CAM MEMBER THROUGHPRESCRIBED PORTIONS OF ITS TOTAL TRAVEL WHEN ENERGIZED, MEANS INCLUDINGA CONTROL SWITCH FOR ENERGIZING THE CAM CONTROL MEANS UPON SWITCHCLOSURE, A TIME REPRESENTATIVE CAM MEMBER ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONTROLSWITCH FOR CAUSING THE SWITCH TO BE CLOSED FOR A PRESCRIBED PERIOD OFTIME WHEN THE TIME REPRESENTATIVE CAM MEMBER REACHES PRESELECTEDPOSITIONS IN ITS TOTAL TRAVEL, MEANS FOR ADVANCING THE TIMEREPRESENTATIVE MEMBER THROUGH ITS TOTAL TRAVE ACCORDANCE WITH THE ACTUALPASSAGE OF TIME, AND MEANS FOR INI TIALLY PRESETTING THE TIMEREPRESENTATIVE CAM MEMBER TO A POSITION IN ITS TOTAL TRAVELREPRESENTATIVE OF THE ACTUAL TIME SO THAT THE SWTICH CONTROL CAM MEMBERIS LIKEWISE PRESET TO A POSITION IN ITS TOTAL TRAVEL REPRESENTATIVE OFTHE ACTUAL TIME AND THE ANNUNCIATOR IS RENDERED OPERATIVE AT A DESIREDTIME.